There are a few mental disorders that are more common to be found in students we have in our classrooms. Having a bssic understanding is helpful to be aware, but I believe you will get the best knowledge from the individuals themselves as every case is different.
This course was enlightening. There are more disorders listed now that can effect ones learning outcome and/or entire life.
I learned a new term of "oppositional defiant disoder" as well as there being a different between OCD & obsessive compulsive personality disorder. I appreciated the detailed examples of how to accommodate students with mental health disabilities.
Psychological disabilities will present in various ways. People may/may not need accommodations. Either way, best practice is to treat student with respect, be patient, don't shout or lose your temper with student.
Mental disorders are sensitive, and we must be especially cognizant of all the rules, laws, and regulations regarding mental disorders, to keep the student and staff safe.
I WAS ENLIGHTENED TO THE MANY CLASSIFICATIONS OF STUDENTS AND THE VARIOUS THINGS THAT WE NEED TO DO DO TO KEEP THINGS POSITIVE AND NOT FALL INTO THE NEGATIVE. I SEE THE IMPORTANCE OF STRUCTURE AND CLARITY IN THE CLASSROOM. WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO LISTEN WHEN A STUDENT WANTS TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES AND NOT JUST BE DOMINANT IN EVERY CONVERSATION BECAUSE AT TIMES THAT COULD BE A PART OF THE PROBLEM, INSTEAD OF THE SOLUTION. WE NEED TO REMEMBER THAT EVERYDAY IS A NEW DAY FOR BOTH THE STUDENT, AS WELL AS, THE TEACHER.
This section has taught me that each day is a new day with the students and that you should not hold grudges against the student as it is not their intention to be an issue or defiant or disruptive. It is important to treat them with respect by explaining things to them clearly, redirecting them when needed, and listening to their full thoughts before responding.
In this section, one thing that I have to remember that it is important to follow through with consequences for wrong behavior and to start the day off with a clean slate.
In this section, I learned about ODD, I did not know it was an illness, nor did I know there was such a thing as OCD focused on personality. With this new information, I plan on reading more on it to familiarize myself with it. This way I can be more aware in the classroom and have a way to handle situations if they arise.
Samantha
I have learned that there are several kinds of mental disorders as stated in the DMS IV. It is important as teachers to focus on the student and not the disorder. There are several things a teacher can do and shouldn't do in order to accommodate the learners.
